At first the customer service guy told me that they only offer 30 day price adjustments so he wouldn't do it for me, but then I pointed out that I could just bring back the TV, return an open box used TV for full price (90 day return policy) and then buy a new one and that that seemed silly and a waste of everyone's time. They finally called a manager over and she did it without batting an eye. Odd.

At first the customer service guy told me that they only offer 30 day price adjustments so he wouldn't do it for me, but then I pointed out that I could just bring back the TV, return an open box used TV for full price (90 day return policy) and then buy a new one and that that seemed silly and a waste of everyone's time. They finally called a manager over and she did it without batting an eye. Odd.

Thank you for updating me about this by PM, I am going there to get an extra $50. This TV is really fantastic, I highly recommend it !!

Happened to be at Costco today to return something, decided to look at this set. The picture was fine, but literally right next to it was a 50" 1080p Philips LCD, identically priced ($599) with some instant rebate mentioned on the tag, playing the same synchronized loop of HD video demo material. It was easy to directly compare the images on the two screens, since they were side-by-side. The picture on the Philips LCD looked distinctly sharper and with better contrast/color saturation. And the Philips had a full compliment of streaming apps, PLUS built-in wireless. Sorry, didn't get the model number.

I realize some of the picture quality differences might be due to inadequate configuration of PQ settings on the Panasonic, but if I was buying one of those sets today based on what I saw in the store, I'd be tempted to go with the Philips.

Later today I got an email from BJs Wholesale Club offering free shipping on various LG sets. I saw this 50" plasma for $579. Looks comparable to the Panasonic in the OP. Three HDMI hookups, no streaming apps. Note however that if ordered online, as opposed to purchased in-store, it can't be returned to a local store.

Happened to be at Costco today to return something, decided to look at this set. The picture was fine, but literally right next to it was a 50" 1080p Philips LCD, identically priced ($599) with some instant rebate mentioned on the tag, playing the same synchronized loop of HD video demo material. It was easy to directly compare the images on the two screens, since they were side-by-side. The picture on the Philips LCD looked distinctly sharper and with better contrast/color saturation. And the Philips had a full compliment of streaming apps, PLUS built-in wireless. Sorry, didn't get the model number.

I realize some of the picture quality differences might be due to inadequate configuration of PQ settings on the Panasonic, but if I was buying one of those sets today based on what I saw in the store, I'd be tempted to go with the Philips.

Later today I got an email from BJs Wholesale Club offering free shipping on various LG sets. I saw this 50" plasma for $579. Looks comparable to the Panasonic in the OP. Three HDMI hookups, no streaming apps. Note however that if ordered online, as opposed to purchased in-store, it can't be returned to a local store.

Just sayin'. Definitely go with the TV you like, not what others tell you that you should like, but yeah it's good to be aware of the caveat that the picture settings can make a huge difference. If you get to the point of buying one, here's what I'd recommend: 1) figure out the model number of the TVs you're interested, 2) go to online enthusiast forums for each TV, 3) jot down the recommended display settings, 4) go back to costco and grab an employee to see if you can borrow the remote and try it out with those recommended settings.

Personally, my favorite aspect about this TV is the black levels. A lot of the demo videos only show bright colorful scenes, but in movies/tvs there tends to be more dark scenes and those parts look fantastic on this panasonic plasma. Just my two cents.

EbayExpert

Senior Member

posted: Aug. 30, 2012 @ 5:13p

Went to Costco yesterday.

Didn't go for the TV. Just letting everyone know I was there.

SteelRing

Ancient Member

posted: Aug. 30, 2012 @ 5:23p

Ditto... just want to let polishdreamer know I was there too and didn't buy the TV. I think because there is this certain salesman trying to push this TV on this forum called FW.

polishdreamer

Senior Member - 10K

posted: Aug. 30, 2012 @ 5:34p

SteelRing said: Ditto... just want to let polishdreamer know I was there too and didn't buy the TV. I think because there is this certain salesman trying to push this TV on this forum called FW.

Good for you.

SteelRing

Ancient Member

posted: Aug. 30, 2012 @ 5:37p

Actually I went and bought the P50ST50 for $999 instead and I couldn't be happier.... for once I am so glad I am not buying what polishdreamer is selling.

SteelRing said: Actually I went and bought the P50ST50 for $999 instead and I couldn't be happier.... for once I am so glad I am not buying what polishdreamer is selling. I hear great things about the ST50. Glad you're happy with it. My understanding is that this U50 is the same panel, just less features (wifi, 2d-3d, probably most importantly the louver filter, and a few other minor ones)

Also, I'm not a fan of people bumping their own threads either, but if it really bothers you, you can use the "ignore" feature of FW to permanently hide this thread.

joefla70

Member

posted: Aug. 31, 2012 @ 10:52a

There is another thread listing a LG 1080P plasma tv for $850 at Costco and Sams. (Free shipping with Sams).

SteelRing said: Ditto... just want to let polishdreamer know I was there too and didn't buy the TV. I think because there is this certain salesman trying to push this TV on this forum called FW.

Heh heh heh...the 81 posts pushing it may lead one to agree with that statement.

polishdreamer

Senior Member - 10K

posted: Sep. 6, 2012 @ 9:08p

Anyone else in for one?

bargainron

Senior Member

posted: Sep. 7, 2012 @ 6:14a

Almost went for it, but after seeing how much more vibrant the LED's were, I went for the Samsung LED with 3D. Though, for the price, this Panasonic plasma may be bought for the bedroom! It is an excellent picture at a give away price.

polishdreamer

Senior Member - 10K

posted: Sep. 7, 2012 @ 7:50a

bargainron said: Almost went for it, but after seeing how much more vibrant the LED's were, I went for the Samsung LED with 3D. Though, for the price, this Panasonic plasma may be bought for the bedroom! It is an excellent picture at a give away price.

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